Monday, February 28, 2011

Fresh, handmade and local. That is the motto for Café Anraith in Cork’s English Market.

The Market itself was buzzing this Saturday morning, particularly busy at On the Pig’s Back and also upstairs in the Farmgate Cafe.

Needing a coffee boost, we headed for this comfortable little spot that uses the Irish language a good deal, at least in its literature. Anraith by the way means soup or broth.

We were after coffee and scones and it cost us a reasonable €6.60 for a pair of each. The Gaggia coffee was fine as were the scones and so too was the service. So it was a couple of refreshed and pleased customers that left after a nice sos beag (little break).

Saturday, February 26, 2011

You’ll never be stuck for food ideas once you have a keyboard and access to social media. Recipes abound here. And we were glad of the service on a recent Saturday night when a planned starter wasn't working out.

Killowen Vintage Cheddar is a product of Newmarket Creameries and is sold in a distinctive 200 gram box. It is “typically matured for at least two years”, is creamy and full flavoured and very enjoyable and ideal for people who may find some of the other mature cheddars a bit on the dry side.

FLYNN’S KITCHEN

I usually come across Iain of Riverstick based Flynn’s Kitchen at the Farmers Market in Mahon Point. Less than two weeks back, I picked up his newest soup: Potato, Leek and Thyme Soup. Many potato and leek soups can be bland enough but Iain’s judicious use of Thyme and seasoning has certainly given the old formula a new life and at €3.00 a pot (or two for a fiver) is well worth a try as indeed are all his other soups and good things.

Any thirst for a Twitter-Facebook joint blind tasting? You buy a mystery wine (at a great discount), we then all taste it together over Twitter & Facebook and try to guess what it is. There could also be prizes for the winner(s).

We search the net, via Twitter and Facebook, each Thursday evening and early Friday morning, for the latest from the Cork restaurant and bar scene. If you don't have either of the above, reach us at cork.billy@gmail.com. Deadline 9.00am Friday.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Hot on the heels of their Dublin launch, announced earlier this week, Metalman Brewing Company will be bringing their flagship beer, Metalman Pale Ale, to Revolution Gastropub in Waterford on Tuesday March 8th.

The eponymous Metalman Pale Ale is a golden ale, bursting with citrusy hop flavours, fresh-tasting and balanced. Coming in at an ABV of 4.3%, it will be a real thirst-quencher.

The crew behind Metalman Brewing created the inaugural batch of their beer on Friday February 4th at a micro-brewery in Templemore, and will be road-testing the first pints at renowned specialist beer bar, the Bull & Castle, in Dublin on Thursday March 3rd.

Gráinne Walsh, director of Metalman Brewing, says “we’re really excited about having Metalman Pale Ale out in bars soon, and even more excited about getting our Waterford brewery up and running this summer.”

Owner of Revolution Gastropub, Jim Gordon, is also looking forward to the launch. “It’s really great to see a local brewery starting up in Waterford again – I believe it’s long overdue, and look forward to seeing what these guys are going to be producing for us in the future.”

Spoke to Gráinne today re stockists and she says they are still finalising the initial list of suppliers, and she'll update the blogas they are confirmed, “But for now, I can tell you that we will be in Revolution Bar in Waterford city and The Vic in Tramore. In Dublin, we'll be in the Bull and Castle in Christchurch, and Mulligan’s in Stoneybatter. More to come soon, I hope! We're starting with draft initially, but hope to have bottles out later on this year.”

Metalman Brewingare dedicated to increasing the range of flavoursome, authentically Irish beers on offer to today’s consumer. “We want to provide a delicious, high-quality choice to people whenever they order a beer, in addition to the option to support a local Irish business; Metalman Pale Ale is our first step on that road, but expect to see other beers appearing later in 2011” added Gráinne.

Metalman Pale Ale will be available on draft in Revolution Gastropub, John St., Waterford, from Tuesday March 8th 2011.

Metalman Brewing was established in December 2010, and premises are currently being finalised for the installation of brewery equipment in Waterford. The name of the brewery comes from a local landmark in Tramore, County Waterford, which is a navigational aid erected in the 19th century to keep seafarers on a safe route.

With Pancake Tuesday, Paddy’s Day and Mothers Day all approaching fast, here is your chance to plan ahead.

Mairead O’Brien of Nash 19 has been in touch to say their top class Food Shop will this year be selling home made batter.

“We will be selling fresh batter. No 1 is Spelt and Buttermilk batter (wheat free) €3.85 while number 2 is a Gluten Free batter €3.85. We’ll also have pancakes in the fridge as well as having Pancakes on the restaurant menu.”

I enjoyed my real Easter Eggs from Nicole Dunophy of Pandora Bell. This year the Limerick company has gone one better.

Nicole: “Pandora Bell’s delicious Real Eggshell with Praline Chocolate has accessorized itself this year with a ‘Belle’ handbag to enhance even the most daring Easter Bonnet. This limited edition bag comes with three real chickens eggshells filled with the smoothest praline chocolate and is available exclusively atwww.pandorabell.ieand during Easter week at Arnotts.”

Lovers of Pandora Bell’s Real Eggshell will find it on shelves in Fine Food Stores Nationwide again this year. The eggs are sold separately with minimum of fuss and packaging just a beautiful elegant band for E2.75 – 2.95. Stockists include Fallon and Byrne, Donnybrook Fair Dublin, Cornstore at Home Limerick and Karibas in Ballinasloe. All that is left for the chocolate lover to do is crack the shell, peel and enjoy.

O’Brien’s Chop House in Lismore has plenty of food and entertainment lined up for you.

St. Patrick's Eve Feast, Trad-Music & Sing-a-long

Wednesday 16 March sees us celebrate the following St. Patrick's Day with an evening of food and song. Drinks on arrival will be followed by a Feast of local produce and then we'll be rolling in the piano, handing out the song sheets and all enjoying a good old traditional sing-song. The 'craic' will be mighty and if you're lucky you'll be off on the 17 to enjoy the local parades. Paddy's Day also marks the opening of Lismore Castle Gardens, which is a must-see if you are in the area.

Mothering Sunday

We all have a little longer than usual to plan that special lunch out this year as Mother's Day is falling a little later than normal on Sunday 03 April this year. O'Brien Chop House will be offering our great value Sunday lunch menu of traditional McGrath's roasts, Ballyvolane Saddleback roast pork with crackling, homemade pies, fresh fish and much more besides.

Margaret Jeffares says ”this achievement is a great endorsement for Good Food Ireland and how the organisation, 4 years on, has driven and delivered economic benefit to Ireland’s food and tourism businesses and pioneered the promotion of Ireland as a destination of good food to our visitors”The organisation latest list of annual award winners may be viewed here.

Linda Thomas, Publicity and Events Manager, told us that Good Food Ireland is an industry organisation that brings together under one umbrella good food places all over the island of Ireland that are committed to using local food and supporting our Irish farmers, food producers and fishermen.

It is our objective to grow Ireland as a destination for good food and direct international visitors and Irish consumers to our member establishments so as to guarantee a quality Irish food experience. We want Good Food Ireland to become the all island icon for good food in Ireland and be the one stop shop for everyone who simply loves good food.

The production of German Eiswein means the growers must take a gamble. At stake are grapes that are left on the vine longer than usual to wait for temperatures to drop to at least -7°C (19.4°F). The gamble went awry in 2006 when there was a total loss of the unpicked grapes, and next to no Eiswein was produced.

It was a different story two years earlier and I had the pleasure recently of sampling one of the successes of that year: DexheimerHeimersheimer Sonnenberg Scheurebe Eiswein, 2004, ABV 9%, Karwig Wines (€20.18 for 37.5cl). *****

Scheurebe is the grape here. Bred in 1916 in Rheinhessen and named after its breeder, Georg Scheu, it is a crossing of Silvaner and Riesling. It ripens in early October, but the late-harvested wines of this grape are those that are treasured most.

The wine has a pale golden colour with a discreet white fruit aroma. It is beautiful in the mouth, wave after wave of sweetness balanced by a crisp citrusy acidity. It is very nicely balanced, with tasty, honeyed, silky fruit that give a superb and lasting finish.,

This fabulous wine, Qualitätswein mit Pradikat, is a winner of the "Goldene Kammerpreismunze".

Matching suggestions

(1)An ideal companion for fine desserts and blue cheeses or simply on its own.

Penny The Hen, the symbol of LocalMarkets.ie, has had her thinking cap on and has come up with aUnique Gift Idea that Keeps on Giving, a gift that could well be the answer to your quest for the ideal Mothers Day present.

As an alternative to flowers and chocolates, this year treat your hardworking mother to a monthly tasting box from Localmarkets.ie at a price that won’t cost you a fortune.

With this new innovative gift idea, Penny the hen chooses a selection of scrumptious samples from the producers on Localmarkets.ie, which are delivered monthly. By signing up for ‘Penny’s Best Bits’ the recipient receives an assortment of up to 8 tasting samples from different local producers. Give your mother a monthly reminder of your love by providing an opportunity to discover new and exciting products with a gift that keeps on giving!

The LocalMarkets.ie movement is one which supports local producers and offers food enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase a wide selection of great value food products. The aim of Localmarkets.ie is to connect the producer with the consumer and provide a diverse range of naturally produced foods.

It has Ireland’s biggest range of artisan and specialty food and drink producers under categories like bakery, cheese, fish and meat to be delivered within 48 hours. There is nowhere else that consumers have access to over 600 unique products from 36 fantastic local producers. Ordering is simple and payments can be made securely with laser, Visa or Mastercard.

This Mother’s Day, introduce the special woman in your life (or yourself) to Penny’s favourite products and give a gift that adds a zing to the month. Once you’ve tried the samples you can check out the producers’ stories and their other delectable products on the website. A three month subscription starts at €70.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Pantry is a cafe, bakery and foodstore in Midleton. It is not the biggest of places but is clean and comfortable and has a well stocked foodie shop with everything from Jim Beam Teriyaki Marinade to Donegal Rapeseed Oil, from the French Lorina Cloudy Lemonade to Cahir’s Sparkling Apple Juice.

Thought I was in for some good basic food when I ordered my Ardsallagh Goats Cheese with Oven roasted vegetables and Pesto Bruschetta, set on Crisp Leaves and a balsamic Reduction. I got quite a surprise for my €8.95.

And that surprise started with the high class presentation, the food laid out neatly, almost in the form of a star. The food itself was top class. The leaves were crispy and the Bruschetta tasty with the pesto while the vegetables (mainly peppers and red onions) were perfectly done, a gorgeous match for well known local cheese.

Service was calm and friendly and considerate. Desserts, a Rhubarb Crumble and a Beard and Butter Pudding, were also very good and also well presented. Couldn't have asked for more. This was top class, five star stuff.

Our table was very close to the shelves full of mainly local artisan food and we helped ourselves to some (including the Karmine Apple Juice and some chutney from Janet’s Country Fayre) on the way out.

Monday, February 21, 2011

A little something to brighten up your Monday we hope! YR are on the look out for the best recipe involving YR original sauce with €1,000 to the winning dish! All you have to do is post your favourite original recipe using YR to their facebook page - ideally upload a photo as well. A highly experienced tasting committee here in Dublin will choose the winner. Closing date end of March '11. You’d be mad not to throw your chef’s hat in the ring!

One must have an appetite for contemporary feeding to fully appreciate FLESH on Sundays at An Cruibin. Cast a sheep’s eye over recent menus and you may gain enough power to break from the self imposed internment that Sundays have become for many a poor sinner.

Pigs Head, Teriyaki Shark, Mountain Lamb, Seared Swordfish, Black Sole and Pheasant are but some of the fare on offer and drowned best, with quality, although some might say, a little too expensive deep red wines. There are of course, several vegetarian options chalked up on the board but this night, of all nights, is a homage to Meat.

The folks at Fenns Quay, including Head Chef Kate Lawlor, were delighted last week to receive their confirmation letter that they were again on the Michelin recommended list. It is a well deserved recommendation as we discovered, not for the first time, last Friday night.

We had a little celebrating to do ourselves and having enjoyed a similar occasion there last year had no qualms about going there again. Indeed, we were looking forward to it after a miserable wet day.

Started off with a couple of glasses of their lively Prosecco and nibbled on their excellent breads while waiting for our main coursers. The main menu here is enlivened by daily specials and these are always worth considering.

I picked from the day’s list and was very happy indeed that I did. The dish was: Chargrilled Tuna with Rustic Potatoes, roast flat cup mushrooms and cannellini bean compote (24.95). Sometimes Tuna can be a bit on the dry side but not here. It was perfectly cooked and the mushroom and compote, not forgetting the moderately spiced potatoes, gave it a perfect balance.

My wife picked her main dish from the regular list and it was: Chargrilled “Slaney Valley” Lamb chump with spiced roast potatoes and a cassoulet of vegetables and a mint pesto (22.50). The tender pieces of lamb were again cooked to perfection, just as ordered, and again the veg and pesto were spot on to give a very tempting and tasty ensemble.

Dessert then. Nothing overly exciting in the Warm Apple sponge with Vanilla Crème Anglaise. But it still needs to be done well and this was. Very satisfying indeed.

It was a busy night in the city centre venue, full up from about eight on, but service was friendly and relaxed and efficient as we’ve come to expect! Our dishes came off the a la carte menu but there is also a very good value Supper Menu available. And don't forget those specials at this excellent restaurant which opens early in the morning and doesn't close until late.

quick and easy steak sauce !!
you have pan fried your steak now it needs to rest in the pan you cooked the steaks add a sliced red onion a few twists of your pepper mill soften the onions ,
add 1/2 glass of red wine and reduce until it is almost eveaporated
add 250ml of double cream cook for 5 minutes on a medium to low heat
season to...See More

Beppi Crosariol shows you what to do the next time a cork crumbles before you've got it out of the bottle

We search the net, via Twitter and Facebook, each Thursday evening and early Friday morning, for the latest from the Cork restaurant and bar scene. If you don't have either of the above, reach us at cork.billy@gmail.com. Deadline 9.00am Friday.